<p><strong>Mark Britnell</strong>, chairman and partner, Global Health Practice, KPMG, talks to BW’s <strong>Joe C. Mathew</strong> about adoption of global healthcare technologies that can suit India’s needs<br><br><strong>On universal healthcare</strong><br>Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intention to provide healthcare to all is a great move. India spends 4 per cent of its GDP on healthcare, which is the lowest among BRICS nations. And of that 4 per cent, only 1 per cent comes from the government. So, India should double its commitment on public expenditure.<br><br><strong>Economics & good health</strong><br>Productive lives have a positive impact on the economic performance. In a study for the South African government, KPMG demonstrated that an increase in life expectancy by one year could raise GDP by 4 per cent over a number of years. So, if you could create a virtuous circle of health, you could create a virtuous circle of wealth.<br><br><strong>India as FDI destination</strong><br>In terms of investment — domestic as well as inward foreign direct flow of funds — the opportunities are enormous. With the right leadership and governance, I believe India is set for an explosion in its healthcare capability. The Japanese are keen to partner with India to develop a healthcare system here. The British are willing to help. The Singaporians and the Malaysians have got some big hospital groups that are looking to invest here. The Americans, Australians and Brits will be interested in the field of medical education here.<br><br><strong>Strengths of Indian healthcare</strong><br>There are three things India’s top-end healthcare companies do that the rest of the world can learn from. The first is the mastery over the clinical process. They have standardised the clinical process, made it transparent, and aligned IT systems with the systems on the ground. Second is the supply chain, both clinically as well as non-clinically — they have been assertive in adopting the best practices in supply chain and management. Third, because of the clarity they have in the pathways, technology and supply chain management, they have been able to be more imaginative in the way they deploy their staff.<br><br><strong>On smart healthcare solutions</strong><br>There are three ways in which healthcare can revolutionalise the concept of smart cities. First, via wearable technology. Two, the penetration of tele-health and tele-care services. Third, use of smartphone for consultations. But healthcare, in relation to smart cities, is still a concept. The good thing is that the three areas I talked about already exist.<br><br>(This story was published in BW | Businessworld Issue Dated 10-08-2015)</p>
